S. H. Blodgett

I write character-driven young adult and new adult fantasy with emotionally resonant relationships and intricate world-building. My stories feature morally complex characters navigating political intrigue and forbidden magic, balancing intense action sequences with intimate character moments. My prose has been described as immersive and evocative, with a particular strength in portraying the rich inner lives of my characters through deep POV.

Readers who enjoy stories of destiny, sacrifice, and complicated romance will find themselves at home in my worlds. I don't shy away from darker themes, but weave in moments of hope, loyalty, and genuine connection that keep readers emotionally invested.

I grew up in a small town in California. The turning point in my writing journey came from a tiny book and bagel shop tucked between larger stores on our main street. I would spend hours there after school, devouring fantasy novels while enjoying warm bagels with my grandmother. This magical little haven sparked my love of reading, which eventually inspired me to create worlds and characters of my own. Though I've since moved away, that cozy corner of California continues to influence the sense of place and community I weave into my fantasy worlds.

As a kid, I was the ultimate bookworm, but it didn't start out that way! Everything changed when I picked up Warriors: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter. Who knew a book about wild cats could completely hook me? I was absolutely obsessed with those fierce feline characters and their forest adventures. After that, there was no turning back. I became that kid who always had their nose in a book. My parents would catch me reading under the covers with a flashlight way past bedtime, and I definitely bumped into a few things while trying to walk and read at the same time (not recommended, by the way). Fiction became my favorite place to hang out, and I'd spend hours lost in different worlds. Looking back, it's no surprise I ended up creating my own stories. Those early reading adventures planted the storytelling seed that eventually grew into my writing career.

If I could write like any other author, it would be Christopher Paolini. His journey with the Inheritance Cycle inspires me, as does how he created Eragon as a teenager and built an immersive world filled with dragons, complex magic systems, and characters that readers truly care about. What I admire most is how he combined classic fantasy elements with his unique vision, creating something both familiar and fresh. His worldbuilding is incredibly detailed without becoming overwhelming, and the way he gradually expands the scope of his story from a simple farm boy to world-changing events feels so natural. Plus, the fact that he found such success at a young age while staying true to his creative vision reminds me that with enough passion and dedication, creating epic fantasy worlds is possible at any stage of life. I'd love to capture that sense of wonder and adventure in my writing.

Christopher Paolini tops the list! His Inheritance Cycle captured my imagination with its epic world-building and dragon lore. Jay Kristoff comes in second for his darkly beautiful storytelling and morally complex characters that never fail to surprise me. Erin Hunter holds a special place in my heart as the author who truly sparked my reading obsession with the Warriors series. Those fierce cats were my gateway into becoming a lifelong reader. J.K. Rowling ranks fourth because Harry Potter was such a formative part of my reading experience, creating a magical world I still revisit when I need comfort. Rounding out my top five is Sarah J. Maas, whose character development and ability to weave romance with high-stakes fantasy consistently keep me turning pages in her Throne of Glass series well past midnight.

The one book I repeatedly gift is Eragon by Christopher Paolini. I find that it appeals to the most people I've met, regardless of their typical reading preferences. There's something universally captivating about a farm boy discovering a dragon egg and being thrust into an epic adventure. It's accessible enough for newer fantasy readers but has enough depth and world-building to satisfy seasoned genre fans. The book also spans age groups beautifully. I've given it to young nieces and nephews just discovering fantasy and adults looking for an immersive escape.

Of all the characters I've penned, I can honestly say none have been deliberately influenced by my personal story. When I write, I don't want to think of reality. I don't base characters off of anything real. As I grew up, the appeal of reading was that I didn't have to think of real life, people, or places. I thrived in make-believe worlds that I could vacation in.

When it comes to writing my characters, I work very hard to not include who I am within them. I want these characters to have a life of their own. There's something magical about watching them take shape on the page, making decisions that surprise even me and reacting to situations in ways I might never consider. This separation between creator and creation keeps the writing process fresh and exciting. I'm discovering these characters' journeys alongside my readers.

My favorite book I've written is definitely "Unchained." It was my first-ever full-length story, and it pulled me through a very difficult time in my life. The story revolves around a young woman with a beginning similar to Rapunzel, and creating her journey gave me an escape to manage through my actual life when I needed it most.

There's something special about your first complete manuscript. All the excitement of discovering your own voice, the joy of watching characters take shape, and that incredible feeling when you type "The End" for the first time. "Unchained" might not be the most polished thing I've written (first books rarely are!), but the emotion and heart I poured into those pages still resonates with me years later.

I will always hold a special place for this draft in my heart, and I hope to one day revisit it and revise it to truly bring it to life. Sometimes I think writers need to grow into certain stories, and I feel like I'm still collecting the experiences and skills I'll need to do this particular tale justice. When the time is right, I look forward to reintroducing the world to those characters who helped me through so much.

My writing space is simple but sacred. A tiny desk is nestled in the corner of our office/gaming room. I've carved out this little nook for myself where the magic happens. Above my desk hangs a floating bookshelf displaying a few series. My most prized possession in this space is an antique cherry blossom lamp that casts the perfect warm glow for those late-night writing sessions when the ideas just won't stop flowing.

On the wall are a few bookcases filled with my favorite titles, a personal library of worlds I can dive into whenever I need inspiration.

It's not fancy or Instagram-worthy, but this little corner is where my characters come to life and where I can lose myself for hours. Something about sitting down in this specific spot signals to my brain that it's time to write, and the ideas seem to flow easier here than anywhere else.

My ideal reading nook isn't about a particular place. It's more about the perfect comfort setup. The key elements are always the same: maximum coziness, minimal chance of being disturbed, and enough comfort that I can forget my physical surroundings entirely as I dive into another world. The pajamas and fuzzy socks are non-negotiable though. Formal attire and good reading just don't mix in my world!